Dr. Todd Kuiken is a Senior Program Associate with the Science and Technology Innovation Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars where he explores the scientific and technological frontier, stimulating discovery and bringing new tools to bear on public policy challenges that emerge as science advances.

He has numerous projects evaluating and designing new research and governance strategies to proactively address the biosafety, biosecurity and environmental risks associated with synthetic biology as part of the Wilson Centre’s Synthetic Biology Project. In addition he is collaborating with DIYbio.org on a project to ensure safety within the rapidly expanding community of amateur biologists where he analyzes the potential biosafety and biosecurity threats associated with such a diffuse community. He also works with the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, also at the Woodrow Wilson Centre, where he focuses on public policy and the environmental health and safety aspects of nanotechnology.

Dr. Kuiken is a regular speaker on public policy issues related to nanotechnology and synthetic biology and has published a number of articles on nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and mercury cycling. After completing his B.S. in Environmental Management and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology he worked directly with renowned scientists on the biogeochemical cycling of mercury at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He earned an M.A. in Environmental and Resource Policy from The George Washington University concentrating on the scientific, economic and community development aspects of environmental issues. While there he worked at various environmental non-profits including the National Wildlife Federation where he worked within the Clean the Rain campaign that dealt with the environmental and public health threats associated with mercury pollution. Dr. Kuiken earned his Ph.D. from Tennessee Tech University where his research focused on the air/surface exchange of mercury associated with forest ecosystems. As part of his dissertation he synthesized these results with other studies associated with mercury cycling, public health threats and policy alternatives to bring attention to the threats and need for an improved public policy dealing with mercury pollution.

Major Publications

Kuiken, T. DIYbio:Low Risk, High Potential. The Scientist, March 2013.

Related Content for this Expert

In an effort to head off a potential health problem in Florida, scientists have created genetically modified mosquitoes intended to stop the spread of their non-modified and disease carrying cousins. What sounds like a good plan to some, has set off alarm bells for others. Todd Kuiken provides an update on GMO science and the attempt to conduct a mosquito experiment in the Sunshine State. That’s the focus of this edition of Wilson Center NOW. more

This report challenges seven widely held beliefs about DIYbio practitioners, particularly that anonymous scientists are cooking up deadly epidemics in their basements. In fact, the survey finds most lab work being done in the community is benign and that the vast majority of those surveyed perform their experiments in group workspaces with other enthusiasts. The report also includes six policy recommendations based on the survey results. more

Heather Dewey-Hagborg is an information artist who is interested in exploring art as research and public inquiry. In her recent project "Stranger Visions" she creates literal figurative portrait sculptures from analyses of genetic material collected in public places. more

Today’s bio-economy, where info-, nano-, and biotechnology converge, has the potential to yield great advances in all sectors, including medicine and energy, by using advanced modes of manufacturing at an atomic scale while achieving reproducible results. This creative convergence sounds exciting, but scientific advances and technological innovation do not come without some risks. Policymakers need to adopt a critical perspective on governance approaches regarding the bio-economy, keeping in mind how it affects our intricate sociotechnical system, our regulatory cultures, and the evolving relationships between researchers, funders, industry and the public. more

A 2010 analysis by the Synthetic Biology Project found that the U.S. government spent around $430 million on research related to synthetic biology since 2005, with the Department of Energy funding a majority of the research. By comparison, the analysis indicated that the European Union and three individual European countries – the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Germany – had spent approximately $160 million during that same period. Approximately 4 percent of the U.S. funding and 2 percent of the European funding was being spent to explore ethical, legal, and social implications of synthetic biology, but no projects focused on risk assessment.
more

In an effort to head off a potential health problem in Florida, scientists have created genetically modified mosquitoes intended to stop the spread of their non-modified and disease carrying cousins. What sounds like a good plan to some, has set off alarm bells for others. Todd Kuiken provides an update on GMO science and the attempt to conduct a mosquito experiment in the Sunshine State. That’s the focus of this edition of Wilson Center NOW.

Heather Dewey-Hagborg is an information artist who is interested in exploring art as research and public inquiry. In her recent project "Stranger Visions" she creates literal figurative portrait sculptures from analyses of genetic material collected in public places.

This report challenges seven widely held beliefs about DIYbio practitioners, particularly that anonymous scientists are cooking up deadly epidemics in their basements. In fact, the survey finds most lab work being done in the community is benign and that the vast majority of those surveyed perform their experiments in group workspaces with other enthusiasts. The report also includes six policy recommendations based on the survey results.

Today’s bio-economy, where info-, nano-, and biotechnology converge, has the potential to yield great advances in all sectors, including medicine and energy, by using advanced modes of manufacturing at an atomic scale while achieving reproducible results. This creative convergence sounds exciting, but scientific advances and technological innovation do not come without some risks. Policymakers need to adopt a critical perspective on governance approaches regarding the bio-economy, keeping in mind how it affects our intricate sociotechnical system, our regulatory cultures, and the evolving relationships between researchers, funders, industry and the public.

A 2010 analysis by the Synthetic Biology Project found that the U.S. government spent around $430 million on research related to synthetic biology since 2005, with the Department of Energy funding a majority of the research. By comparison, the analysis indicated that the European Union and three individual European countries – the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Germany – had spent approximately $160 million during that same period. Approximately 4 percent of the U.S. funding and 2 percent of the European funding was being spent to explore ethical, legal, and social implications of synthetic biology, but no projects focused on risk assessment.